An Engaging Evening: Hartford Votes Candidate Forum for State Treasurer and Comptroller

Last night the Hartford Votes coalition sponsored an informational candidate forum with candidates running for State Treasurer and Comptroller. Hartford Votes is a non-partisan coalition of non-profits whose mission it is to increase civic engagement and voter participation in the city, and is sponsoring a series of events before the November election so that voters can better understand the issues and the offices.

The early evening event was held at the Hartford Library, where a substantial crowd gathered for refreshments beforehand, and to chat with the candidates before the formal program began. Every candidate on the ballot for Treasurer and Comptroller was invited, but with the exception of Andrew White (Independent Party candidate for Treasurer), only candidates from the two major parties attended. Kevin Lembo (D and Working Families Party, Comptroller), Jack Orchulli (R, Comptroller), Jeff Wright (R, Treasurer),and Andrew White (I, Treasurer) spent about a half hour chatting with audience members, and Denise Nappier, (D, WFP, Treasurer), our incumbent State Treasurer arrived in time for a few minutes with voters before the program began. It was heartening to see so many people interested in hearing about the offices of Treasurer and Comptroller, which many times don’t get the publicity that races for Governor or Senate receive.

In my welcoming remarks, I outlined the basic difference between the two offices. Shortly before the start of the program, I asked Kevin Lembo if he could suggest a pithy statement that would do just that. He came through for me, and I was able to say that the difference is “Money In, Money Out” – the office of Treasurer handles cash management and administers investments for the state, and the office of Comptroller handles payroll and payment of benefits and to vendors. Tom Monahan, Senior Political Correspondent for NBC Connecticut, moderated the forum, which consisted of introductory statements, questions for each candidate, questions from the audience, and closing remarks. On the whole, the candidates did a great job of outlining what the offices of Treasurer and Comptroller do, and how they would handle the office. The audience was engaged and interested, and ended up writing down quite a number of questions for the candidates. The only thing that marred the evening slightly was the times that a couple of the candidates spent attacking their opponent rather than answering the questions - the evening was meant as an informational forum, not a debate. However, our moderator did a fantastic job of keeping everyone on task and the event was a wonderful success.

I am thrilled that so many people took time away from home and family to come learn a little more about the workings of state government and the candidates running for office. I hope audience members come back and bring their friends to the other upcoming events – October 7th for the Secretary of State and Attorney General candidate forum, October 28th for the State Representative and State Senate forum, both at the library, and October 14th at City Hall for a campaign fair where you will have the opportunity to find out about all the candidates running for statewide office. Please check out our Facebook page for more info. Thanks to the candidates, audience, Tom Monahan, Hartford Votes coalition members, and everyone who made the event a success!